Standing up to a bully isn't always easy. Sometimes it can be daunting if the bully seems to have support from others who are nearby. Sometimes it can be hard to be the first voice to oppose a bully. Here are some tips on dealing with a bully.

There are things you can do if you are being bullied:

• Look at the person bullying you and tell them to stop in a calm, clear voice.

• You can also try to laugh it off. This works best if joking is easy for you. It could catch the kid bullying you off guard.If speaking up seems too hard or not safe, walk away and stay away.

• Don’t fight back. Find an adult to stop the bullying on the spot.

There are things you can do to stay safe in the future, too.

• Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t keep your feelings inside. Telling someone can help you feel less alone. They can help you make a plan to stop the bullying.

• Stay away from places where bullying happens.

• Stay near adults and other kids. Most bullying happens when adults aren’t around.

When you see bullying, there are safe things you can do to make it stop.

• Talk to a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust. Adults need to know when bad things happen so they can help.

• Be kind to the kid being bullied. Show them that you care by trying to include them. Sit with them at lunch or on the bus, talk to them at school, or invite them to do something. Just hanging out with them will help them know they aren’t alone.

Not saying anything could make it worse for everyone. The kid who is bullying will think it is ok to keep treating others that way.

This information was found at https://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/what-you-can-do/index.html

Do you agree with the tactics that they have outlined? Are there different tactics that you have used personally or seen used by others?

What would you do if you see another person being bullied?

How does all of this relate to cyberbullying?

Share your thoughts and any resource that you have found helpful.

-Speak Up and Be Kind!